What to do when kids are feeling depressed or anxious

When a child seems sad, anxious, or distant, it can be hard to know how to help. But learning how to recognize signs like changes in mood, sleep, or behavior is a great first step. 

Karen Wilson, PhD, joins the show to break down the connection between mental health and kids with learning and thinking differences. Find out how learning challenges can cause feelings of anxiety or depression. And get tips on how to support your child through tough times.

Related resources

• Typical sadness or depression? How to tell the difference in your child
• Signs of depression at different ages
• ADHD and depression
• Signs of anxiety in young kids
• National Alliance on Mental Illness

Timestamps

(01:02) The relationship between learning disabilities and feeling depressed

(06:18) How to recognize signs of depression and anxiety in kids 

(15:15) Support for managing feelings of depression and anxiety 

For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org.

We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give